"Firework" by Emily Popp

Emily Popp is a graphic designer in Minneapolis with a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

"Firework" (Spring 2022) • 8.5" x 12" • Linocut print • About the artwork, from the artist: This print is inspired by Stacie Cassarino's vivid and stirring poem titled "Firework."

The day my body caught fire
the woodland darkened. The horizon
was a sea of maids, rushing to piece me
back into a girl. Out of the girl came
yellow flowers, came stem and sepal.
You never happened, they said.
The meadow was a narration of lessness.
Inside corral, horses fell
from the impact of lightning. They
broke down. I heard gunshots in my sleep.
I was a keeper of breath,
of hay. I walked a field, collecting bones.
You can build a house out of bones.
You can stand at the doorway
quarreling with your legs to enter
or run until you turn to ash.

Volume One finds its cover art in a number of ways, from local art shows to random emails to knowing someone who knows someone who knows a great artist. The art always originates from a current or former Chippewa Valley resident. If you'd like to submit cover art, send us a message.